Running SteamVR Examples on the Meta 2

Many applications that are compatible with OpenVR – including WebVR applications – can be run on the Meta 2.

Note: SteamVR is only supported on the Meta 2 when the Meta 2 is running in Direct Mode.

The following steps guide you through running a SteamVR example on your Meta 2. Be sure to uninstall any previous version of the Meta SDK, and remove any conflicting applications that might be running before you begin the next section.

Viewing WebVR Content

Download Firefox 64-bit

(Optional) Configure your system to use your discrete NVIDIA GPU to run Firefox

On laptops with a legacy hybrid graphics configuration known as “NVIDIA Optimus,” additional steps may be necessary to view WebVR content. This is applies to all VR and AR devices and is completely unrelated to the Meta 2. If your laptop requires this additional configuration, the following message will appear:

Further information can be found under the section “How do I set up WebVR on Windows?” here and detailed technical background is available here.

Put on your Meta 2, launch SteamVR, and view WebVR content

Plug in your Meta 2.

Launch Steam.

Launch SteamVR from Steam.

Wait for your headset to be detected by SteamVR. A status window for SteamVR opens. When the headset is detected the headset icon turns green. At this point, SteamVR may begin showing a home application or default scene in the headset.

Directly below the 3D model, look for the 5 faint icons. Find the icon with the silhouette of a headset labeled View in VR and click it.

The 3D model will appear in your headset.

To stop the example, close the tab or the whole browser.

Viewing SteamVR Content

Many XR applications available through Steam’s store are compatible with the Meta 2. To try out one of these applications, see the following instructions.

Install Bigscreen Beta

Bigscreen Beta is a free XR virtual desktop application.

Launch Steam.

Navigate to the Store tab.

Search for Bigscreen Beta.

Click Play Game and follow the installation prompts.

Put on your Meta 2, launch SteamVR, and view OpenVR content

Plug in your Meta 2.

Launch SteamVR from Steam.

Wait for your headset to be detected by SteamVR. A status window for SteamVR opens. When the headset is detected the headset icon turns green. At this point, SteamVR may begin showing a home application or default scene in the headset.

Once the Bigscreen Beta download is completed, navigate to the Library tab.

Locate and double-click on Bigscreen Beta in the list of applications on the left.

Once inside Bigscreen, select the “void” room. The black background makes it highly suitable for AR.

Interact with the virtual desktop system. At the moment, the application is most user-friendly when using your keyboard and mouse.